Molecular characterization of the interaction between Tick-borne encephalitis virus NS5 protein and the Interferon alpha/beta and gamma receptors

by Liljeqvist, Maria

Abstract (Summary)

Flaviviruses, family flaviviridae, are often associated with severe diseases and many of the viruses have been shown to affect the immune response. Interferons confer important ways of defending the host against viral infections because they provide a link between the innate and the adaptive immunity. Langat virus (LGTV), belonging to the Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) complex of viruses, has recently been shown to provide interactions with interferon receptors and inhibit the interferon-mediated response. Similarly, it has been demonstrated that the TBE virus NS5 protein affects type 1 interferon signaling. In this study we have analyzed the interaction between the TBE NS5 protein and interferon receptors by using the yeast two-hybrid system. Our results support the idea that the inhibition of interferon signaling does not involve a direct interaction between TBEV NS5 and the interferon receptors IFNAR2, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2.